Trinity college dublin

OP...trinity is harder to get into than Oxbridge arguably, their admissions policies can be nasty in some departments and most don't accept resits.

It is a stunning university though with an excellent academic record. Only big problem it has is that it doesn't have enough accommodation for all first year undergrads.

Note that if you are not Irish, although there are still no tuition fee's I'm not sure you are able to apply for a maintenance loan in the UK or ireland so you may have to fund your maitenance costs yourself. You will also have to become acquainted with the irish version of UCAS which is the central applications office www.cao.ie

Another thing to take into consideration is how strong irelands economy is compared to the UK at the moment so you may find your money doesn't go as far.

As the irish system does not give you an offer before results day, you are able to accept a firm on UCAS whilst still waiting for results from Trinity...if you get into trinity just inform your firm on UCAS and they will withdraw your application (i have a friend who did this last year).

Good luck with your aps.

when you say resits, are you talking about retaking the odd module here and there? so do you have to declare all your as grades and stuff?

im not irish so im assuming its pretty likely that i would be given first year accomodation so i am not too worried about this.

OP...trinity is harder to get into than Oxbridge arguably, their admissions policies can be nasty in some departments and most don't accept resits.

It is a stunning university though with an excellent academic record. Only big problem it has is that it doesn't have enough accommodation for all first year undergrads.

Note that if you are not Irish, although there are still no tuition fee's I'm not sure you are able to apply for a maintenance loan in the UK or ireland so you may have to fund your maitenance costs yourself. You will also have to become acquainted with the irish version of UCAS which is the central applications office www.cao.ie

Another thing to take into consideration is how strong irelands economy is compared to the UK at the moment so you may find your money doesn't go as far.

As the irish system does not give you an offer before results day, you are able to accept a firm on UCAS whilst still waiting for results from Trinity...if you get into trinity just inform your firm on UCAS and they will withdraw your application (i have a friend who did this last year).

Good luck with your aps.

NO of course not. Didnt say it did. Just you need to present a range of subjects and need to get a pass in each, even at a lower level. Maybe they accept AS for all I know. Just remember to check it out.
They don't want one-trick wonders. They are looking to accept and turn out well rounded individuals.

FYI to all...

Trinity has a good reputation, but as research standards go - it is not the best university in Ireland.

Don't take this the wrong way but you won't be any more respected than anyone else from any other university.

Oh and to the prospective undergrads, what actually gets you respect in the academic world is your degree, the subject, the result in your class and what overall rank you attain in your final year. No one cares about your leaving certificate or A-levels when you apply for a job or a postgraduate course. Its your degree and your result. The reputation of your thesis supervisor can also be a factor.

FYI to all...
Don't take this the wrong way but you won't be any more respected than anyone else from any other university.

but surely they are a pretty big factor when applying for university?!!

would you say id be less respected than if i went to say bristol or exeter?

What is undeniable is that the points required to get into TCD are higher than for any other university in Ireland, and across just about all subjects, and certainly the majors like law, medicine etc. What is undeniable also is that the A level standard required are also higher than most or all UK unis (although no interview or other tests in most cases). These higher standards of course reflect greater demand. That in turn reflects perceptions of the overall quality and professional benefits of the course.

What is also undeniable is that most TCD first degrees require 4 years... against 3 years in most other unis. Despite this far higher cost - a year less in your professional life - the demand for TCD's courses is greater. The government has implored TCD to reduce its courses to 3 years, but TCD has steadfastly refused to do so.

What you also may not know - but I have heard and seen - is that undergrad standards are maintained at a higher level than in many UK unis... a II.1 it seems really is a II.1. Go to the results of exams pasted on the departmental boards and you will the staff there are not shy about failing students e.g. a 40% failure in 1st year pharmacy this year, and don't expect to get a law degree if you can't spell! They even fail international students, if they can't make the standard! Ouch!

That of course is not to say you can't do brilliantly elsewhere, and many do. Uni for many is a brand, and it is clear which brand is best in Ireland. That is truer outside of the sciences. Branding e.g. in law and business subject areas is very important. In science, matters are different. Size is important too, as that means more research. TCD is smaller and more intimate than UCD, so on this count, somewhat disadvantaged. But TCDers can't have it all ways.

Yes of course you need your grades to get into uni. But once you are there, it does not matter at all. Everyone is level. If you look at things logically - (and this becomes very apparent when you finish your university education) its what you leave uni with thats actually important.

With regards to whatever university you choose - choose the one with the best vibe and whatever feels right for you. Then work your ass off for four years to get a first. Your initial choice won't matter then.



Sorry, but A Level standards and Leaving Certificate points to gain entry to courses in Ireland are determined by popularity of that respective course. Nothing else. Thats the flaw with the Irish entry system and a common misconception to those who are not au fait with the Irish education system. Perception of a course means nothing. It does not mean the course is necessarily any good or more reputable than any other. You determine your own professional benefits by the standard of your degree that you graduate with.



Nearly all honours degree courses in Ireland must be of minimum duration of 4 years. This applies across the board, in all Irish universities.



I don't get you, seriously - in any decent university, standards are maintained! A First Class Honours degree from TCD is absolutely, in no way more prestigious than one from UCC, UCD or NUIG. Thats what you call Irish university standard - its that way across the board. Its apparent in all inter-varsity academic competition. I refer to my initial point, where you do your undergraduate degree does not matter - it is the result and standard you attain in that specific discipline. Also, what you do to increase your "self-worth" i.e. how valuable you are to other universities and employers is also vital. For example, summer research experience in your field of interest etc. You will fail in any university if you are not at the standard. Trinity standards are absolutely no higher than any other university in Ireland.



Branding is over-rated. This is something you realise when you finish your degree and begin to look at the postgraduate world. You make your own success. Seriously, go for an interview at any reputable university for a PhD. They won't give a toss about where you're from. The old phrase "It's not where you're from, its who you are" is all important in academia. In any course (not just the sciences), where you choose should a leader in the field you are interested in. You should look at the supervisors there, the publication rate, the care invested in undergraduates, the research funding allocated, the vibe of the university, etc. You aim for the best place in your field. Not for the overall reputation. Its the people that do not truly understand the academic system that are swayed by the bells and whistles of university "branding".

It takes a while to realise this concept. From working in academia early on in my career, I grasped it. The point is, you determine your own fate. Its harder to get into some universities with varying points, but once you're in - it doesn't matter. You're no better than anyone else in your field. Until you can graduate, and you have a degree result. Thats when actual standards come into play. It's harder to graduate top of your class, with a First - than get into university in the first place. Not many people get this. You won't until you finish your undergraduate degree. It's the end result that is important!

I apologise if it seems that I'm being narky. TCD is a great university, but there are a few others that are even better. Thats my opinion - as someone who spent a good 20 years in the Irish education system! I certainly don't accept that they have standards higher than anywhere else.

I wouldn't bother unless you're Protestant

are you talking about irish unis, in which case which ones? or universties in general including eniglish ones.